Spotify web app released as beta

Spotify has launched a beta version of a new web-based Spotify player.

Until now the Spotify music-streaming service has only been available through a dedicated desktop program, or through a mobile phone app. Now Spotify is looking to allow you to stream unlimited music through a web browser interface.

Initially only open by invitation, it now seems possible for some to sign up to the Spotify beta through Facebook or (as we did) simply by signing into your existing Spotify account on the new Spotify Play website. You don’t even have to have a paid account, either.

The interface itself is very attractive – dare we say it, even nicer than the dedicated program? Along the left you have a bar featuring Search, What’s New, Radio and Playlists tabs, whilst in the central area you have the main information page depending on which of the latter three options you have selected.

Along the right, meanwhile, you have your player controls. Initiating a search doesn’t take over the whole screen, it expands an additional overlay with the results, partially obscuring and greying out the main page. We like its style.

In terms of the nature of the service, it’s identical to the existing Spotify system. You can listed to tracks for free, but only five times each and you have to put up with irritating adverts interspersed throughout the tracks.

Alternatively you can sign up for unlimited, ad-free streamed music for £4.99 per month. For £9.99 you get the premium package, which gets you better sound quality, an offline mode and access to your account from your smartphone.

As for a release date for the full and complete web version, Spotify’s remaining quiet. It has revealed that it will be announcing more details in Q1 of 2013, according to Engadget.More Software News >